Pushpagiri

Route Info

Trekking ahead brings you to Mallahali Falls; you can take bath in clear waters here. Thereafter the major target to reach, crossing the Shola Forest, is Lingadahole-a perennial stream and beginning of the dense forest. Just after crossing the jungle there is a huge relief with the sight of shelter at Kudre doddi. Take a turn to Giri Gadde and Pushpagiri. Trekking for 4-5 hrs more will take you to Pushpagiri Hills.

There are two approaches to Pushpagiri and Kumaraparvat peaks. While the eastern entrance is from, the western one is from. The access from Beedehalli- a small hamlet at the north-eastern entrance of Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is supposed to be less tough.

Summary

With over 35 % of its total geographical area under evergreen forest cover, Kodagu or Coorg is counted among the greenest districts in India. Much of these rainforest-clothed ghats, sprinkled with an array of waterfalls, are still pristine eternally inviting nature lovers and trekkers to get mesmerised by them. Among the many challenging forest peaks to scale here are Pushpagiri and Kumaraparvat, at the district’s northern edge near its tri-junction with Hassan and Dakshina Kannada districts.

Pushpagiri is the second highest mountain (5626 ft above the sea level) in Kodagu. Trekkers can cross to Subramanya, in Dakshina kannada district from Pushpagiri Range. Since, this mountain comes under the jurisdiction of Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary prior permission from the Department of Forest is necessary for trekking. Trekking Distance is 12 Km to the top and 15 kms towards Subramanya.

There is a well laid out road (tarred) from Kundahalli right upto the Heggademane and uptil the temple (earlier only a kaccha road existed).There is a Forest check post after a 15min walk from the temple and they charge Rs.115/- per head for the hike.After this check post once you start trekking you will pass two streams within a gap of 40 to 60mins. During summer these streams can go dry. After about 1hour you will reach a camping area with circular built walls (broken down) built of bricks. After 2 hours of walk you will reach a rock face where you can sight the Puspagiri peak (North face). After a 30mins walk from this point you will reach a rock face followed by even a bigger one where you will have to do a bit of rock climbing.Three hours will be a comfortable walk to reach the top from the Forest check post.

Things To Look for

• The jungle.
• Winds near the peak.
• Sky and Sun rise early morning
• The mist filling the valley

Things To Be Aware Of

Streams and water sources dry up around November-end. The last usable water source is in the wooded area near Mantapa. You might find some water a little before the peak though, but it becomes stagnant after November, so dont use it for drinking.

You get food at Bhattare Mane only at 1 PM, so, however early you reach, you should be prepared to wait until 1 PM and resume the trek at 3 pm or later. If you want a break and a good rest before you start in the afternoon, it is best to reach Bhattare Mane by 12 noon after taking a leisurely trek up and resume trek by 4 PM or so, after the sun has gone down a bit.

It is extremely windy and cold at the peak. If you are camping at the peak in the open, be sure that your tents can withstand the strong winds.Carry sleeping bags to beat the cold at the peak.

Location info

• Distances:From Bangalore 300+ kms,12 km to top and 15 km to the Subramanya

• Camping Sites: Forest check post, Bhattara Mane, Mantapa,The summit (Pushpagiri)

• Trek Length: 12 Km to 15Km.

Best time to visit

October to early February; April to late May.

Helpline & emergency contacts

944 864 7947 (Bhatru mane)

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

How to reach Pushpagiri

Pushpagiri is accessible from the nearest town via road. The trek starting point is typically 30-60 minutes from the nearest town by local transport. Karnataka is well-connected by air (Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore, Mangalore International Airport, Hubli Airport), rail (extensive network with major junctions at Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Mangalore), and road (NH 44, NH 48, NH 75, NH 66). State buses (KSRTC) and private operators connect all towns regularly.

Timings & opening hours

Start trek early morning, ideally by 6:00-7:00 AM. Treks typically take 3-6 hours depending on route and fitness level. Descend before dark (by 5:00-6:00 PM). Night trekking requires guide and permits.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee of INR 20-100 per person for forest areas. Some treks in wildlife sanctuaries or national parks require permit fees of INR 200-500. Guide fees (mandatory for certain forest treks): INR 500-1500 per group.

Duration needed

Half day (3-5 hours) for moderate treks. Full day (6-8 hours) for challenging treks. Overnight camping treks are available at select locations.

Safety tips

Never trek alone — always go with a group or guide. Carry sufficient water (3-4 litres per person). Inform someone about your trek plan and expected return time. Mobile network is unavailable in many forest areas. Watch for wildlife (elephants, gaur, leopards) in forest areas. Avoid trekking during heavy rain.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Carry minimum 3 litres of water per person, energy bars/snacks, first-aid kit, whistle, torch/headlamp with extra batteries, multi-tool, rain poncho, dry-fit clothing, extra socks, and a basic survival kit.

Nearby visiting places

Other trekking peaks, waterfalls, valleys, viewpoints, wildlife sanctuaries, coffee estates, and pilgrimage sites in the surrounding forest area.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station in the district headquarters town. Nearest airport: typically Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore or Mangalore International Airport. Local buses and taxis connect to the trek base point.

History of Pushpagiri

Pushpagiri is a popular trekking destination in Karnataka, located in the Western Ghats mountain range. The Western Ghats are one of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with forests that are millions of years old. Karnataka’s trekking trails range from gentle hills to challenging peaks reaching 1,800+ metres, offering trekkers a chance to experience pristine tropical forests, waterfalls, and panoramic views.

Things to do at Pushpagiri

Trekking through forest trails, reaching summit viewpoints for panoramic vistas, birdwatching and wildlife spotting, photography, camping overnight at designated sites, and stream/river crossings during the trek.

Things to visit & highlights

Summit viewpoints, dense forests, mountain streams and waterfalls, rock formations, valley views, coffee and spice plantations at the foothills, and biodiversity hotspots along the trail.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How difficult is the trek at Pushpagiri? A: Difficulty varies from easy to moderate. Check locally for current trail conditions. Q: Do I need a guide? A: A guide is recommended for first-time visitors and mandatory for certain forest treks. Q: What fitness level is required? A: Moderate fitness is sufficient for most treks. Regular walking exercise helps prepare.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Trekking

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.